Paolo de Nardis, a renowned expert in the field of political studies and sociology, has dedicated much of his career to examining sustainability issues. He traces the origins of the concept back to the 1980s, when it emerged amidst a shift towards neoliberalism and a growing awareness of the need for balance. Today, the debate extends to digital sustainability, which has its roots in discussions about technology and society since the late 1980s.
As a professor emeritus at Sapienza University in Rome, de Nardis has been particularly interested in exploring digital sustainability as it relates to Italy. He raises concerns about the widening gap between rich and poor and the exploitation of resources like cobalt through child labor. To achieve true sustainability, he advocates for a redistribution of resources and a shift in production models that prioritize environmental impacts and social justice.
When discussing digital sustainability more broadly, de Nardis emphasizes the importance of education in cultivating a culture that values technology as a tool rather than an end goal. He believes that defining digital sustainability involves rationalizing production systems to minimize negative impacts on all fronts – economically, environmentally, and socially. However, he acknowledges that promoting awareness and action on digital sustainability can be challenging, particularly when trying to avoid superficial trends like greenwashing.
De Nardis also highlights how contemporary challenges like urban poverty and societal tensions have shaped new sociological categories around inclusion, resilience, and sustainability. He suggests reevaluating outdated concepts like social function, status/role, and social conflict to better understand these complex issues and develop effective solutions.
Overall, de Nardis’s work emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to sustainability that considers economic, environmental, social justice issues together. His insights highlight the critical role that education plays in shaping our attitudes towards technology and its impact on society.
